Amber
Last updated: April 2026
Fossilized tree resin; low density and organic inclusions distinguish it from glass and copal. Baltic amber fluoresces strong blue to bluish-white under LW UV. Dominican and Mexican amber show vivid sky-blue LW fluorescence. Burmese (Burmite) amber tends toward green or yellow fluorescence.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.539–1.545
SG Range1.05–1.09
SG Typical1.08
Hardness (Mohs)2–2.5
Crystal SystemAmorphous
Optic CharacterSR (Singly Refractive)
Dispersion0.000
Fluorescence LWStrong blue
Fluorescence SWModerate Blue White
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismNone
ColorsYellow Orange, Brown, Red Pink, Green, Blue Violet
SpeciesOrganic
Related: Organic Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Extremely low SG (floats in salt water)
- Organic origin (fossilized resin)
- Characteristic fluorescence
Treatments
- Heat Clarification (to remove cloudiness)
- Reconstituted / Pressed amber (ambroid)
- Coated or dyed
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$5
Natural — high ($/ct)$100
NotePer carat; Baltic amber standard; specimens with insect inclusions command significant premiums
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying an amber? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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